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By Shawn Carman
The Imperial Palace, Toshi Ranbo
Servants scattered as the Emerald Champion stormed through the corridors of the palace. For once, they avoided him not because of his perceived malevolence, but because of his appearance.
His normally brilliant armor was tarnished in places, battered from use, and had several plates that were hanging askew. Under different circumstances, he would never appear in public in such a state, but he acknowledged inwardly that he was not himself at the moment. He had ridden from the northern Dragon lands without ceasing, stopping only to change horses. He had not rested in days, and a red haze had begun to creep around the edges of his vision.
As he approached the doorway to the Empress’ private audience chamber, the Seppun guards bowed deeply and opened the doors without pausing. It seemed that he was expected.
Within, the familiar sight of the screen that separated the Empress from her subjects awaited her silhouette visible through the blessed paper. Togashi Satsu was at her side as always, and lurking in the background were the omnipresent forms of the Voice of the Jade Sun and the Voice of the Obsidian Moon, the Heavenly advisors of the Divine Empress. “Welcome, Shosuro Jimen,” Satsu said. “The Empress is greatly pleased to see her victorious Emerald Champion return to the Imperial City.”
Jimen bowed deeply, wincing ever so slightly at a catch in his left side as he did so. “Your victory is assured, my lady, but not yet achieved. The forces of the Dark Oracle are on the retreat, and will be driven from the Empire within a week’s time.” He hesitated slightly. “If I may,” he finally continued, emboldened by his exhaustion, “why was I called from the front lines on the cusp of victory?”
Satsu was silent for a moment, listening, and then, “Do you feel it was necessary to be present at the time of the victory?”
Jimen was silent for a moment. “In my absence, all glory will go to the Shogun, and to the Champions present at the battle. My contributions will be forgotten, and my position further diminished.” Even as spoke them, he winced inwardly at his words. Were he better rested, more himself, he would never have spoken such pettiness aloud. He celebrated weakness in others, as it made them easier to manipulate, but he loathed it within himself.
“Is that the reason for your valor, then?” Satsu asked. His voice was as calm as ever, his expression utterly blank. “Did you seek glory for yourself?”
“No,” Jimen said at once. “I fought to protect the Empire from filth not fit to set foot within it. That does not mean I do not wish to be see my position diminished.”
“And it shall not be,” the Voice answered. “You are the personal champion of the Divine Empress and the enforcer of her laws. Any who question you shall feel her censure most strongly.
You were recalled because the threat will soon be over, and the victorious armies will be on the march. The Empress wishes to ensure that there are no incidents during this time, no mean feat given how many exhausted warriors will be traveling shoulder to shoulder with those they regarded as enemies until a short time ago. You and you alone are to over see this.”
“I see,” the Emerald Champion replied. “If it is your will, my Empress, I will see it done.”
“The final victory shall also result in the declaration of a week-long festival throughout the Empire,” Satsu continued. “In such an environment, it might be difficult to ensure law and order is maintained. The Empress wishes to know what additional resources you require to ensure the mood of the Imperial City remains proper.”
“None, my Empress,” Jimen said. “It will be done. You need not concern yourself.”
The silhouette of the Empress nodded appreciatively, and her Voice said, “The Empress well pleased with the devotion and service of her Emerald Champion. Thank you, Jimen-san.”
“My lady,” he said, bowing as he departed.
The Great Carpenter Wall, the Crab provinces
For nearly two years, the Wall that protected the southern edge of Rokugan from the demonic creatures within the Shadowlands had been almost completely silent. There were minor attacks, of course, but usually only one creature, or a pack at the most. No major assaults within two years were an unprecedented historical occurrence, and one that made the Crab Clan warriors who defended the Wall simultaneously grateful, and uncomfortable.
When the great alarm sounded, many feared the worst.
“What is it?” one of the Hida commanders demanded as he stepped onto the Wall, fastening the final buckle of his armor.
One of the Hiruma scouts shook his head and pointed. “I do not know, commander.”
The Hida followed his gesture and grimaced. For a moment it seemed that the ground it self was surging toward them, but that was not it. There were so many creatures, goblins, ogres, demons, that it seemed as if the ground were moving, when in fact the ground could not be seen for their number. “An assault, then.”
“No,” the scout corrected. “Look at them, commander.” He turned and looked at the
Hida with growing concern in his eyes. “They are fleeing.”
